Australians slam arms deal with Israel, call for Arms Embargo

PressTV - Australians slam arms deal with Israel:

Fri May 13, 2011 5:14PM
Rihab Charida, Press TV, Sydney

"A demonstration took place on Friday outside of the offices of the Australian Defence Department in Sydney to protest the Australian government's arms trade with Israel.

A large part of Australia's trade with Israel is made up of contracts to buy or sell military equipment. The two countries also share military technologies.

In 2010 The Rudd government signed a $300 million purchase with Israeli arms manufacturer, Elbit. These purchases were for BMS, or Battle Management Systems, complex electronics that permit integration of modern warfare technology.

Elbit claims that it provides similar technology to 20 countries worldwide.

Elbit, whose subsidiary companies provide security systems for illegal West Bank settlements, and the illegal Israeli separation Wall, is also the provider of the Israeli drones that are becoming a staple of many NATO armouries including the UK, Canada, and Australia.

Protesters argue that the Australian government should not buy or sell military equipment to those who implement apartheid policies against populations under their control, occupy or wage war against neighbouring nations, maintain illegally-acquired and undeclared nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction and carry out summary executions and collective punishment.

The protesters are calling on the Australian government to implement an arms embargo on Israel, until it can comply with International law and human rights conventions.

The Defence Department and Elbit Australia have refused to comment.




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